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To Our Campus Community:
Earlier today, the city of Kansas City rescinded their emergency order to be in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stating that these people no longer need to wear masks outdoors in crowds or in most indoor settings, with some specialized exceptions. The CDC defines “fully vaccinated” as those who are 14 days or more beyond their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or 14 days beyond the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Throughout this pandemic, we have relied on the guidance of the CDC and local health experts to set policy, and we will continue to do so. Our own campus experience reinforces the CDC policy decision, as we have not had an on-campus case of COVID-19 since April 22, 2021. As of today, we are no longer requiring fully vaccinated people to wear masks or physically distance on campus.
We do not require vaccination for employees or students, although we strongly urge people to take advantage of the many opportunities for vaccination available throughout the community. Vaccination eligibility has recently been extended to young people ages 12-15. We continue to offer vaccinations to members of our campus community through our partners at Truman Medical Centers/University Health. Register online or call (816) 404-CARE (2273) and press option 1.
Some additional points to consider:
• Masks are still required in hospitals or other healthcare settings, and public transportation settings.
• There may be some campus spaces and situations that will still need to maintain masking and distancing rules, such as some clinical settings. These are under review and further information will be available soon.
• The CDC guidance pertains to people who are fully vaccinated. Those with partial or no vaccination protection remain at risk and should seek guidance from the CDC or their healthcare provider. Those with an immunocompromising condition should seek medical advice even if fully vaccinated.
• We understand that many people remain concerned about the risks of COVID-19. Those who are more comfortable continuing to wear masks are free to do so. We will continue to offer accommodations for students and employees with unusual risks or situations related to COVID-19. Students requesting COVID-related academic accommodations should contact Scott Laurent at 816-235-5696 or laurentr@umkc.edu in the Student Disability Services office. Employees should review the UM System Human Resources policies relating to the pandemic and consult their supervisor.
• People should continue to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, even if fully vaccinated; if you develop symptoms, continue to mask and distance and get a COVID test. Rapid COVID-19 tests will continue to be available to students, faculty and staff through Student Health and Wellness. Appointments can be made at go.umkc.edu/covidtesting.
Throughout this difficult and challenging pandemic, our campus community has risen to the occasion, working hard to support and protect each other while playing a vital role in helping to combat the pandemic in numerous ways. We are extremely grateful to you.
In this together,
C. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Jenny Lundgren, Ph.D.
Provost
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